Welcoming new Labour Minister

TTUTA

A SENSE of anxiety and anticipation permeates the welcome of the newly minted Labour Minister to a portfolio that is going to require a tactical and concerted effort to navigate the multitude of labour-related issues that have been left in abeyance for the past decade, much to the annoyance and consternation of the labour movement.

The pain that the labour sector was forced to endure was an onerous one, verily imposing a bitter taste in the mouths of thousands of workers. As always, the burden of economic adjustments is somehow unilaterally tossed onto the backs of proletariats while the bourgeois continue to rein in their profits.

Globally and locally the rich-poor gap is not only widening but the world’s wealth is becoming increasingly concentrated into the hands of a few, covid19 notwithstanding.

Somehow, economic austerities seem to always target blue-collar workers, the ultimate creators of capital whenever times get tough. Its an automatic response of government and economists without any consideration for the socio-economic consequences unless there is some sort of social agitation by workers in retaliation.

We are already hearing calls for currency devaluation in the face of tough economic times, a measure that places undue pressure on the working masses given our import-oriented economy. It also never solves the problem, merely deflecting it to the labour sector as a scapegoat.

Added to that unanticipated economic horizon that has descended upon us is the number of outstanding collective agreements that span two and even three bargaining periods that have been cleverly administered a dose of dormancy. The combined potion is a conundrum that spells social and economic calamity if not carefully managed.

This would be no easy ride for a new and seemingly novice labour minister who will be forced to learn well and fast. A sensible first step would be to engage in genuine dialogue with the labour sector so that some element of trust and good faith is reinstated in the labour climate.

It is hoped that this appointment is not simply an academic one for the record and that the outcomes arrived at between the Labour Minister and the unions will be treated with some level of genuine credibility by the Minister of Finance. The new minister must prioritise the reforming of a battery of labour legislation.

Somehow, despite promises, these antiquated laws failed to make it into the government’s parliamentary agenda having been repeatedly identified as being critical to the protection of workers in challenging economic circumstances.

ITUC general secretary Sharan Burrow, at the last G20 labour ministers meeting, warned that the retreat by governments to the failed dogma of austerity would be disastrous in post-covid19 recovery.

The incoming minister would be well advised to resurrect the “Workers Agenda” signed in 2015 following extensive discussions with various elements of the labour movement and who still wait with eager anticipation for promises to be kept.

It is hoped that the sometimes-prejudiced airwaves will not contaminate the mind of the new minister and that he would be guided by principles of fairness and social justice in his dealings with labour issues knowing the stakes involved.

Many economists and commentators with sectoral interests will be preaching the continued demonisation of labour leaders and their supposedly “unjust” demands – a predictive and scripted ritual that is antithetical to good tripartite relations.

The strong solidarity of the labour movement will be the basis for a resolute demand for the protection of workers’ rights, for any economic recovery cannot be predicated on the pauperisation and destitution of the workers of the country.

General secretary of the OECD Trade Union Advisory Committee, at said G20 meeting, emphasised that in the current circumstances what is needed now more than ever is a recovery plan that delivers trust – in health systems, in occupational health and safety precautions for workers and in robust fiscal stimulus plans for sustainable recovery.

Our current crisis has shown, Pierre Habbard continues, significant gaps between those with stable employment and adequate social protection and the rest. He further opines that labour ministers have a duty to set out a roadmap to restore and create more quality jobs and fill in the gaps in regulation and protection for workers.

It would be foolhardy for our new minister to ignore this advice. Social dialogue is an imperative as we collectively navigate the road ahead.

TTUTA seizes this opportunity to salute our colleagues in the health sector for their immense sacrifices and dedication to duty.